Port SA begins annual Fiesta celebration

Port San Antonio officials have unveiled the design for the commemorative medal that will be used as part of the organization's 2013 Fiesta de los Niños celebration.

The winner was fifth-grader Ashley Sanchez, a student at Athens Elementary School in the South San Antonio ISD, who submitted the drawing chosen for the medal design.

The winning entry was selected by a panel of judges who reviewed over 160 drawings by area students participating in the contest. It shows a Mexican singer and the caption “¡Fiesta de los Niños!” and, officials said, is in keeping with the tradition of featuring mariachis and folk dancers as part of the event's entertainment.

This year will mark the seventh time that Port San Antonio sponsors Fiesta de los Niños. The event offers a day full of family activities in an alcohol-free environment. More than 5,000 visitors are expected.

The 2013 Fiesta de los Niños celebration will take place at 200 Donald Goodrich Drive, in the heart of Port San Antonio, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will feature two stages with live entertainment along with carnival rides, games and food for young children and adults to enjoy together.

A parade through the grounds begins at noon and will be led by the event's Royal Court — a king, queen, prince, princess, duke and duchess — comprised of area elementary schools students. The children are winners of a special fundraising effort sponsored by Fiesta de los Niños.

This year, students competing in the “Penny-a-Vote” contest to become part of the Royal Court raised over $2,000, which Port San Antonio distributed back to the children's respective schools to purchase sports equipment and other supplies.

In addition, several classic cars sponsored by USO will be on exhibit throughout the day.